Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel additives are products that claim to increase fuel economy, smoothen engine operation, reduce emissions, extend engine life, and maximize horsepower. While some additives deliver on these promises, others don't provide much improvement, and some may even be detrimental to engine performance. The effectiveness of a diesel fuel additive depends on various factors, including the specific problem being addressed, the quality of the additive, and the frequency of use. In cold weather, for instance, a winterization additive can prevent fuel filter plugging by reducing the cloud point, cold filter plugging point, and pour point temperatures of the fuel. However, most users won't know if a diesel fuel additive is working unless there's a noticeable performance improvement or a failure that requires a teardown inspection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve diesel engine performance and longevity |
| Function | Clean fuel injectors, stabilise fuel, improve lubricity, enhance fuel flow, prevent fuel gelling, increase horsepower, improve fuel economy, etc. |
| Effectiveness | Varies with the type and quality of the additive, specific problem being addressed, and usage consistency |
| Testing | Field tests, A/B tests, and EPA tests are recommended to gauge effectiveness |
| Usage | Added directly to the fuel tank, may take multiple tanks or weeks/months of use to notice improvements |
| Cost | Varies, some additives are expensive while others are cheap |
| Recommendations | Varies by manufacturer, some recommend specific additives or top-tier diesel fuel, others do not endorse additives |
| Water Remover | Needed as water in fuel creates issues, not typically found in standard/premium fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Improving lubricity
Lubricity improvers are additives designed to replicate the lubricating properties that sulphur once provided. Research into various additives, including biodiesel and synthetic lubricants, has demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing the lubricity of ULSD. For instance, studies have shown that biodiesel blends can significantly improve the lubricating characteristics of ULSD fuels. These additives help form a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear.
Lubricity improvers also play a vital role in maintaining engine cleanliness by preventing the formation of deposits and residues on engine parts. This ensures smooth and efficient fuel combustion, leading to improved overall engine performance and fuel efficiency.
When choosing a lubricity improver, it is important to select one that is recommended or approved by the engine manufacturer. It is also crucial to determine the additive's makeup before use. Some additives, such as acid-based dimers or monoacid-based lubricity enhancers, can react with metal cations like calcium and sodium, forming deposits that can clog filters and cause injection system issues.
By using a diesel fuel additive that improves lubricity, such as Archoil's AR6500 Diesel Treatment, motorists can maintain the performance of their diesel engines, reduce wear and tear, improve fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.
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Cleaning fuel injectors
One way to clean fuel injectors is to use a fuel additive, which can be an inexpensive and effective solution. Additives such as AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver contain detergents that can clean power-robbing deposits from injectors, restoring flow rate and horsepower. However, it may take several tanks of treated fuel before any noticeable improvement is seen.
Another option is to remove the injectors and clean them manually. This can be a delicate process, as fuel injectors are prone to breaking, and requires the right tools and knowledge.
Some people also suggest that simply running a diesel engine with a heavy load can burn off the carbon and tar build-up more effectively than any cleaner.
It is worth noting that not all fuel additives are created equal, and some may be a waste of money. It is important to look for products that surpass detergent cleaning specifications, as many products on the market provide none. Additionally, some engines may be more susceptible to carbonaceous and carboxylate build-up, so an additive package that can properly clean these deposits is important.
Overall, cleaning fuel injectors is an important part of maintaining diesel engine performance, and fuel additives can be an easy and inexpensive solution. However, it is important to choose an effective additive and be patient for results.
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Preventing fuel gelling
Diesel fuel gelling occurs when the fuel thickens or gels in cold temperatures, hindering the engine's operations and impacting the vehicle's ability to start. This happens when the wax in diesel fuel crystallizes, impeding the flow to the engine and causing potential clogs in fuel lines and filters.
To prevent fuel gelling, you can take several measures, including:
- Using winterized diesel: In colder months, many fuel stations offer winter blend diesel, which may include diesel additives to lower the fuel's cloud point. However, these blends may not always be sufficient to prevent gelling in extreme cold, so additional fuel additives may be necessary.
- Adding anti-gel additives: Anti-gel additives can be added to diesel fuel to prevent gelling. These additives lower the pour and gel points, allowing the engine to perform better at lower temperatures. The amount of additive required depends on the temperature, with more additive needed in colder temperatures. Examples of such additives include Howes Diesel Treat and Fuel Ox™ Cold Charge.
- Maintaining a full or half-full fuel tank: A fuller tank reduces the chances of condensation forming inside, which can lead to water contamination and fuel system issues. Water in the fuel system can contribute to icing and gelling problems.
- Storing your vehicle in a garage during cold weather: Keeping your vehicle in a warmer environment can help prevent fuel gelling.
- Using engine block heaters: Engine block heaters can help keep the engine warm and improve starting in cold weather. However, they do not prevent fuel gelling in the tank or fuel lines.
- Using kerosene: Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so mixing it with diesel fuel can lower the freezing point. However, this may result in reduced fuel mileage and efficiency.
By implementing these measures, you can help ensure a smooth winter driving experience and avoid the inconvenience and potential damage caused by gelled diesel fuel.
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Reducing asphaltenes
Asphaltenes are small pieces of tar that are formed when diesel fuel is heated under high pressure as it passes through high-pressure fuel injection systems. These systems operate at about 30,000 PSI, which is around six times the pressure of conventional fuel injection systems. The increase in pressure, coupled with temperatures that can exceed 200 degrees, cooks the fuel and creates asphaltenes. Asphaltenes turn the fuel a dark brown colour and can clog fuel filters, impacting engine performance and longevity.
Fuel additives can help to dissolve asphaltenes and prevent them from forming. Fuel Ox Asphaltene, for example, contains advanced additives that inhibit and prevent the formation of asphaltenes in the fuel. It ensures that asphaltenes remain dissolved, reducing the risk of filter clogging and injector fouling. It acts as a detergent, cleaning existing deposits from fuel injectors and other components, and provides a protective barrier to prevent future deposits.
Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme is another additive that can help with asphaltenes. It contains a powerful injector cleaner that brings asphaltenes and glycerides back into solution and prevents further formation. Diesel Extreme also includes a lubricity additive to improve fuel lubricity and combat the ill-effects of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, which can cause issues for fuel systems due to the removal of sulfur.
By using additives to reduce asphaltenes, engine performance and longevity can be improved, and issues such as filter plugging and injector deposits can be prevented.
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Removing water
Water in diesel fuel is a common occurrence, and it can lead to several issues. Water can enter the engine through condensation or external environmental factors, and it can cause erratic idling and performance, momentary engine cut-outs, and black or white smoke during operation. Water can also lead to fuel filter icing, corrosion, rust, reduced lubricity, and freezing in fuel lines in winter, blocking fuel flow.
To prevent water from damaging your diesel engine, you can use a demulsifier additive. Demulsifiers cause the water to separate from the fuel, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the tank, where it can be easily removed. This method is preferred over emulsifiers, which can cause water to turn to steam and damage injector tips.
There are several demulsifier additives available on the market, such as Diesel Extreme, Everyday Diesel Treatment, Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, Premium RV Diesel Additive, and Diesel 911. These products can be purchased at most automotive stores.
In addition to using additives, it is important to regularly check your diesel tank for water accumulation and keep your tank full to limit humid air accumulation and condensation formation.
Some diesel vehicles are also equipped with a water separator in the fuel filter assembly, which must be emptied regularly as part of routine maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel additives are chemicals that alter the properties of untreated diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel lubricity is essential for the protection of modern diesel engine components. Additives help meet government mandates for reduced emissions and improve fuel economy.
Examples of diesel fuel additives include AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean, Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost, and Diesel 4-in-1. Other examples include Seafoam, MMO, and Howes.
Diesel fuel additives can be purchased online or at specialty stores.
